Joel Rosario, who hasn't ridden since fracturing his wrist in a Feb. 20 spill at Gulfstream, will return to action April 29 at Belmont Park, reports his agent, Ron Anderson. Eight days later, he will be at Churchill Downs to accept the assignment on Shagaf (Bernardini) in the GI Kentucky Derby.
As trainers continue to firm up their riding assignments for the Derby, a handful of other jockeys have lined up mounts. Among them is Victor Espinoza, who will ride Whitmore (Pleasantly Perfect). Julien Leparoux has been named to ride GIII Spiral Stakes winner Oscar Nominated for trainer Mike Maker as Brian Hernandez Jr. has elected to stick with Tom's Ready (More Than Ready). The mount on Shagaf became available when Irad Ortiz Jr. committed to My Man Sam (Trappe Shot), the runner-up in the GII Blue Grass Stakes.
Mike Smith confirmed to the TDN that he is sticking with GII San Felipe winner Danzing Candy (Twirling Candy). Trainer Gustavo Delgado is still searching for a jockey for Majesto (Tiznow), the runner-up in the GI Florida Derby.
Rosario had been aiming to return on April 2, Florida Derby Day, but Anderson said his doctor wanted to be extra cautious.
“He has actually been ready for a few days, but his doctor has been real conservative about this,” the agent said. “He wanted to take one more picture before he cleared him. Joel has been very professional about this. He's been running four miles a day for over a month now and I know we're all very excited to be involved with Shagaf and to pick up a Derby mount.”
Ortiz had also been ridden Whitmore in his previous start. Espinoza will be going for his third straight Kentucky Derby win.
“Victor knows his way around there, that's for sure,” trainer Ron Moquett said.
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